10/31/2024
Sebastian Fundora won’t have to make a tough decision after all.
Former unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. (28-1, 22 KOs) has been re-ranked within the top 15 of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior middleweight rankings. This decision, announced today, during Day 4 of the 37th annual WBO Convention, brings Spence closer to a potential clash with WBO and WBC Junior Middleweight Champion Sebastian Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs). TGB Promotions requested a #10 ranking, which new WBO president, Gustavo Olivieri said he would approve. The request now goes to the championship committee for final approval, which Brunch Boxing has been told is just a formality.
Photo Credit: Premier Boxing Champions
The move follows an official WBO ruling on October 14, which conditionally approved an optional title defense for Fundora. Previously, the organization had ordered a title consolidation bout between Fundora and undefeated welterweight sensation Terence “Bud” Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs). However, both Crawford and Fundora’s camps reached an agreement to take separate fights for now, allowing Fundora the flexibility to choose his next opponent.
For Fundora’s title defense to proceed, a key stipulation from the WBO required his challenger to be ranked within the top 15 of the junior middleweight division. Spence, who was removed from the WBO rankings last month due to inactivity, has now been reinstated, thereby satisfying the condition and clearing the way for a potential matchup.
As one of the most intriguing potential matchups in recent memory, a Spence-Fundora bout would bring together two fighters known for their intense styles and competitive spirit. Spence’s return to the rankings not only reestablishes his place among the top contenders but also adds momentum to a division primed for thrilling matchups.
The bout, if finalized, is expected to headline a PBC on Prime pay-per-view event in the first quarter of 2025. Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, attended the WBO Convention proceedings and voiced optimism about securing the anticipated showdown.
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